As the younger generations grow through life, older individuals may find it challenging to see how many things are easily taken for granted. Many of these conveniences and opportunities were not available to previous generations. This list highlights some of the things that younger people often overlook or underestimate in their daily lives.
Employment Opportunities
Having a job and being able to support yourself or your family is not something every person is able to do. Other parts of the world may have limited job opportunities, or even none at all. There is also a sense of satisfaction that comes from taking part in meaningful work and helping you achieve personal goals.
Electricity and Technology
The convenience of using a smartphone or computer is not something that should be taken for granted. Neither should the comfort of household appliances or instant light. As the younger generation has never been without modern technology, it can be something they automatically take for granted.
Clean Water
Clean water may seem like an ordinary part of everyday life; however, a large chunk of the world’s population is without it. This is supported by Greenpeace, which writes, “780 million people still lack access to a safe water source.” Young people should also consider that they’re able to have hot showers and clean clothes because of their water supply.
The Sun and Fresh Air
Young people should not take the joy of sunlight and fresh air for granted. This is especially true after the Covid 19 lockdowns. Natural sunlight is important for a person’s health and wellbeing. Fresh air may seem like a simple part of everyday life, but it’s an essential one.
Friendships
Having supportive and loving friends is a valuable part of life. Friendships can help with your personal growth and provide you with support, so they’re certainly not something to take for granted. There should be gratitude for being able to share experiences with someone and have some companionship in life.
Physical Affection
Family Institute writes, “Touch can strongly transmit a sense of being accepted and cared for.” Hugs and physical touch give us a sense of comfort. There are so many emotional benefits that come from a hug with a loved one, and it has a huge impact on our mental wellbeing.
Time
We should never take our time for granted. For example, A Conscious Thinker writes, “Time is finite and precious, and it can be so beneficial to take a moment to really appreciate the fact that we are alive.” It’s important to live in the moment and value each minute of the day. Time is a non-renewable resource in life.
Access to Food
We have such a variety of food available, not only from our own culture but also from others. This abundance means we’re able to eat proper, nutritious food that keeps us energetic and healthy. Younger people should recognize that being able to choose what we want to eat is a privilege.
Safe Transportation
We have a huge convenience of personal and public transport. Not only this, but it’s also incredibly safe. The ease of travel has an important role in our everyday lives, and having the option to choose how we wish to travel, such as by car, bus, or train, is a luxury not everyone has.
Small Indulgences
The Environmenter writes, “Things like coffee, driving with the windows rolled down a good walk or hike, or even hugging a tree. It’s the simple things that make life worthwhile and enjoyable.” There’s a sense of joy that comes with treating yourself to a small indulgence. We should appreciate everyday pleasures and recognize them as special.
Routine and Stability
There’s a comfort that comes from having a daily routine. Stability should be seen as a form of luxury, as not everyone has it. The younger generation should try to recognize the psychological benefits that come from having a routine in place. This stability helps to keep us on track.
A Place to Live
Sometimes we can all take the comfort and security of our home for granted. However, Our Mindful Life tells us, “Just because a roof over our head is basic doesn’t mean we are entitled.” It’s something that we should never just expect, and we should be thankful that we have a place to call home.
A Healthy Body
The ability to walk, jump, and exercise is not something that should ever be taken for granted, especially as there are many people unable to do this. Younger people can take even a beating heart for granted or clear vision. It’s important to always care for your physical health and look after your body.
Education
Today’s younger generations in first world countries all have access to education. They’re taught to read and write and are given the chance to learn subjects such as math and science. Attending school and college is a privilege and something not every child across the world is able to do.
Family Support
The Odyssey Online writes, “Family is something that no one should take for granted, because they are always there to help.” The presence of loving family members isn’t something that every person has. Younger people may not want to spend quality time with their family, when actually, they are their biggest support network.
Personal Relationships
Personal relationships highlight the significance of meaningful personal connections. Supportive relationships have a huge impact on our mental health and help to keep our wellbeing in order. It’s important that younger people don’t take personal relationships for granted and instead show appreciation to the loved ones in their lives.
The Internet
When something has been in your life since you were an infant, it can be hard to not take it for granted. This goes for the Internet. For example, LinkedIn writes, “Although technology has enriched our lives, somewhere along the way people have forgotten this.” We should still be thankful for all the information it provides.
Trees and the Environment
There are so many ecological benefits that come from trees and greenery. They play a vital role in keeping us healthy and happy. With environmental issues having an impact on the world, it’s even more important now to ensure we’re doing everything we can to conserve the environment.
Medicine and Healthcare
First world countries have great access to medical and healthcare facilities, especially the UK, where it is free. Sadly, this can’t be said for every country, so it’s important to recognize how lucky we are. Healthcare is also constantly improving and has had many advancements; we’re now able to treat conditions that we couldn’t fifty years ago.